Kristine's Obituary

Spaceman wrote up this obituary for Kristine's hometown paper:

Kristine Ann Okins, 25, a former resident of Windom, was killed in a bicycle/vehicle accident while at work in her chosen home of Portland, Oregon.

Her job as a bicycle messenger reflected her love of cycling, a passion that was part of many others. These included but are hardly limited to Tall Ship Sailing, Traveling, and All Creatures great and small.

Kristine attended the Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley, MN where she graduated with honors in 1998; she then attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and graduated in 2002. These accomplishments serve to underscore the dedication and hard work she expressed daily.

A master of many talents, Kristine impressed all with her skills in baking, sewing, knitting, and graphic design. She was never shy about sharing these natural gifts.

A memorial mass bicycle ride in her honor along Portland's Willamette River allowed many to commemorate and celebrate her rich and wonderful life.

She lives on in the hearts and minds of all she touched. Kristine, you are our Red Skies at Night.

She is survived by her parents Jim & Mary of Windom, her sister Melissa and brother-in-law Michael Lefevre of Portland; her sister Angela of Portland; her brother Matthew Okins and Kelsey Rients of Mankato; her boyfriend William Bleichner of Portland; grandmother Loretta Anderson of Lamberton; grandmother Margaret Okins of Redwood Falls; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.